Innovative stain-free technique for high-resolution imaging of virus particles via standard transmission electron microscopy

This research presents a groundbreaking approach in virus-related research, addressing challenges in electron microscopy (EM). This imaging technique has been crucial in exploring virus structures; however, traditional methods involve complex sample preparations and the risk of contamination. Herein, we introduce an approach that overcomes these obstacles, enabling highresolution virus imaging without toxic staining procedures. Focusing on Begomovirus particles, an economically significant plant virus genus, our images confirm their non-enveloped structure and their twin icosahedral symmetry. Our methods involve sample collection, purification, and crystallization, followed by transmission electron microscopy - selected area electron diffraction (TEM-SAED) analysis. Notably, this study achieves 2D and 3D virus imaging through standard TEM, providing a new avenue for virus structure analysis and advancing virus-related research. Remarkable high image quality stemmed from the crystallization process, offering exciting possibilities for improving virus research and diagnosis while eliminating staining limitations.